Mr. Pierce purchased the property in 2021 for $175,000. In May 2022, residents began complaining to the City Housing Office about the property’s appearance. The Google Maps photos were taken in March 2023. Cleary’s Notebook News photo was taken on November 26, 2025. GOOGLE MAPS
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (DECEMBER 4,2025)(CNBNEWS)–Cleary’s Notebook News submitted an OPRA request to Vanessa Little, the Custodian of Records for Gloucester City, on November 26. The request sought all citations filed against Roger Pierce, the occupant of 637 Division Street, for violating the City’s Housing Code. In response, we received 43 pages starting from May 4, 2022.
How many more innocent Americans have to be victimized before Democrat politicians admit their sick, soft-on-crime insanity is a blood-soaked catastrophe?
Last week in Democrat-run Chicago, a 26-year-old woman was riding the ‘L’ train when a career criminal with 72 prior arrests — including eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanors — doused her in gasoline, chased her screaming through the train car, and set her on fire in broad daylight. She’s now fighting for her life with horrific burns because the predator who did this was walking free.
This animal was walking free because of the radical, dangerous “no cash bail” law proudly signed by Governor JB Pritzker and celebrated by Chicago’s defund-the-police Mayor Brandon Johnson. Just three months ago, after this same monster was arrested for another violent crime, a county judge cut him loose on electronic monitoring — a condition he repeatedly violated with zero consequences right up to the day he lit an innocent woman on fire.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (NOVEMBER 2012)– After the 1982 mayoral election in Gloucester City, two members of the Gloucester City Democrat Club/Party Machine approached Camden County Sheriff Bill Simon on behalf of the club’s membership. They pleaded with him to stop publishing sheriff’s sales in the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record, both of which were owned by the Cleary family at the time. These legal notices were worth between $20,000 and $30,000 annually. Running for mayor that year were Independent candidate Robert S. Bevan and the endorsed Democrat Club candidate Jack Brophy.
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNews)(June 2023)-In 2021 the state of New Jersey legalized the use and sale of marijuana. Since that time, according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, there are 24 dispensaries that sell recreational cannabis in the state, along with 13 shops that sell only medical marijuana. (image courtesy of iStock)
That legalization has also seen a rush by local governments throughout the state bending over backwards to attract “Doobie Stores’ to open in their communities. For example, the City of Gloucester City passed legislation in January to amend it Land Development law in order to accommodate the marijuana industry. As such the development of the Southport area, which consist of over 100 acres of vacant land along the Delaware River will now be used to cultivate, manufacture, and distribute, marijuana. The new ordinance allows cannabis businesses to operate with Class 1, 2,3,4,5, and 6 licenses (Cultivation, Manufacturing, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail, and Delivery.
For 37 years, the City promoted an idea to develop that once-industrial site into upscale housing, a waterfront marina, and a retail district. The city spent thousands of dollars on architects, engineers, and development plans for that purpose. In 2005, the site was named “THE GLOUCESTER VISTA.” Shortly after, a new Democrat mayor, William James, and the city council were elected, announcing that the area was so toxic it would take over a decade to remove the chemicals.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 23, 2025) CNBNews Editor’s Note--Today, we received a complaint from a resident of Gloucester Towne who was upset about the destruction of Christmas decorations that the local community had put up. According to this individual, employees from the Public Works Department arrived at the site on November 21 and dismantled the holiday display. The resident claimed that the employees informed her that the order to remove the decorations came from Brian Morrell, the Chief of Police and City Administrator, as well as Mayor Dayl Baile. The resident expressed confusion over why such an order was given and noted that there had been no prior communication with the property managers or the residents regarding the removal of the decorations. “The people living here used their Social Security checks to pay for these ornaments and trimmings,” she stated. Additionally, she mentioned that the mayor and city council members were contacted on Friday, November 21, but as of today, Sunday, they had yet to receive a response.
Cleary’s Notebook News has submitted an OPRA request to the City’s Custodian of Records in order to seek transparency regarding the puzzling removal of festive decorations at Gloucester Towne. The resident we spoke with is a concerned resident who contacted us to share that for the past three years, residents have been allowed to adorn the area with holiday displays. The pressing question for city officials is: why are residents now prohibited from setting up their cherished Christmas decorations? What led to this unexpected change, and why were residents not notified of the new rules?
This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.
Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.
Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.
For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.
A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.
Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.
**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**
Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.
The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.
**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**
This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.
**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**
A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.
*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNEWS)Oct. 24, 2025)—Sweetie and I were walking in the field across from the Cold Springs today. It was around 8 AM. She was off lead and was healing on my left side. A vehicle came out of nowhere and brushed my right side leg.. When Sweetie saw the car, she ran towards Cold Springs Drive. Fortunately, she came when I called her. I hooked her to her lead and approached the woman, who was still on her computer, and knocked gently on her window. When I explained to her what had happened, she apologized several times.
Despite being so close to me that her car brushed my right leg, the woman said she never saw me.
Neither Sweetie nor I was hurt. Things could have been much worse. During my walks along Cold Springs Drive, I have noticed numerous people texting while driving on that street.
Note: This article was originally published on January 20, 2023. Because it was lost when Typepad, the host of our blog, shut down, it is being republished.
(photo credit Adnan Akram)
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 20, 2023)(CNBNews)—On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, I headed to the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at 3600 Civic Blvd., Philadelphia, for my last prostate cancer treatment. With me were my wife, Connie; my daughter, Connie Lynn Woods; and my granddaughter, Brianna Woods. My entire family wanted to be there, but the hospital limits the number of support people you can bring with you.
Part of the celebration for people who complete this journey is ringing a ceremonial large bell that hangs in the corner of the waiting room on the bottom floor of that building. I was apprehensive, but what could go wrong? I watched five-year-olds ring that bell during my time at the Center, and they had no problems. Of course, being a Cleary, you always prepare to expect the unexpected, and so I was cautious. After being zapped by the Big Zapper, I got dressed and headed towards that corner for my big moment. My family gathered, and the patients and their family members in the room were looking toward the corner where I was standing. As I grabbed the rope to ring the bell, nothing happened. All eyes were on me. I swung the rope again, but still no sound. I looked towards Kathy, the receptionist, and she was yelling, “Swing it forward, not sideways.” Laughter and applause from the patients and staff broke the tension in the room as I rang the bell loudly and clearly several times.
How happy I am to have completed those 33 treatments. Several times, I wanted to quit because of the side effects I was experiencing. Plus, there were nights when I couldn’t sleep as I realized that I was facing a possible life-ending illness. And, I was still thinking about those hormone pills that make male breasts grow. Will I need a bra? And if so, what size?
Although the treatments are over, some of the radiation’s side effects, such as chills, tiredness, headaches, diarrhea, and nausea, have continued. The doctors said those symptoms may continue for some time or they may stop all of a sudden.
In May 2022, the results of my routine PSA blood test increased by three points from 4 to 7.1. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
In June, another PSA test was taken, which led to an MRI of the prostate in July and a prostate biopsy at the end of August. Both the MRI and the biopsy results confirmed that the tumor was cancerous. It was aggressive but localized to my prostate; in other words, it wasn’t metastatic. That was the good news; the bad news was that my cancer had a Gleason score of 8 and a Grade of 4.
My Proton therapy treatment began on December 6, 2022. Proton therapy, also known as proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons (positively charged atoms) to damage the DNA in cancer cells. This type of cancer treatment is non-invasive, painless, and precise.
There are side effects from the radiation. Besides those mentioned, I also had chills, mouth and throat ulcers, and a rash on the trunk of my body. The GI problems were the worst. Some weeks it lasted for five days in a row.
Making this journey easier at Penn were some of the nicest doctors, nurses, proton therapy technicians, support staff, valet parking attendants, and cashiers I have ever met in my lifetime.
According to information on the center’s website, the Roberts Proton Therapy Center features five treatment rooms and a dedicated research room for proton therapy. It also has an additional five rooms for conventional (photon) radiation therapy. As the largest center in the world for both proton and traditional radiation, they treat more than 100 patients with proton therapy daily. It consists of 75,000 square feet.
Besides prostate cancer, proton therapy is used for Lung cancer, GI tumors, Breast cancer, Brain tumors, and Sarcomas.
The same type of Proton treatment will be opening soon at the Penn-Virtua Hospital in Marlton, NJ.
I had the privilege of meeting some fascinating people, who were also patients, during this period. There was a 73-year-old Russian naturalized citizen. Before his retirement, he was a teacher, and later, he ran a successful business in Delaware. The city of Wilmington claimed eminent domain to build public projects, and he was forced to close his business. Later, his wife fell ill, and he spent his retirement years caring for her. Most recently, his invalid brother moved into his house. Despite his cancer, he continues to take care of both his wife and brother.
There was a 25-year-old construction worker who was the sole provider for his 9-year-old daughter and his mother. He was diagnosed at another hospital with a brain tumor. When they operated on that tumor, the surgeons damaged the right side of his body. As a result, he could barely open his right eye, and he couldn’t move his right arm. The other hospital missed his cancer, and he was at Penn getting chemo treatments. Despite his health problems, the former karate student and his mother believed strongly in Almighty God and also believed in taking one day at a time. He hopes one day to return to construction work, a job he truly loves. His mother showed me pictures of him before his illness. The photo showed a strong, handsome man with a broad smile, holding his daughter, who was perhaps 3 years old at the time.
There was a man in his 50s who was treated for cancer at another Philadelphia hospital in 2017. They told him that his cancer was cured. However, he kept telling his doctor that he didn’t feel well, and he was spending most of his day in bed because of the blasé feelings he was experiencing. After several years, he wasn’t feeling any better. He came to Penn for a second opinion, and they discovered he had bone cancer along with lung cancer.
There was a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were both waiting for a CAT scan, and we were the only two people in the room. We both looked up from our phones, and I smiled, saying hello. When I asked her what she was being treated for, she said breast cancer. She shared her concerns about her young children, as she was their sole provider. Her mother recently moved in with her to take care of her and the kids. “She is elderly, I am afraid she is taking on too much,” the young woman said. “I don’t know what will happen to my kids if cancer kills me.” I didn’t know what to say. Her situation was much more serious than mine. I listened and tried to offer her words of comfort.
This was my second experience with cancer. My first was in 2012-2013. At that time, the diagnosis was kidney cancer. However, after cutting me open, a biopsy of the tumor was performed, and it was determined that it was benign.
For now, I am thrilled to be done with the radiation. I asked the doctor how I would know if the tumor is gone. “Let us worry about that; you go about living your life. Have a cheesesteak if you want. We will monitor your PSA test every three months, and that will tell us if we were successful.”
The American Cancer Society says …For most men with prostate cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer growing or coming back. This is very common if you’ve had cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html
As you age in life, you can’t help but think every so often about death and how you are going to die. Based on my two experiences with cancer up until now, I don’t believe that disease will be my downfall. Nope, I picture myself tripping over a stone as I walk down the railroad tracks with my dog Peyton, hitting my head, and lying unconscious as a train rolls over my body. Perhaps that is a little extreme, but it has to be something that will earn me a big headline in all the newspapers and television stations. I could go skydiving, and the parachute doesn’t open. Or, I could live to be 100 years old and die in my rocking chair.
Looking back over my life, I should have been gone long ago. This leads me to believe that I still haven’t fulfilled the reason why God put me on this earth 78 years ago. For now, I am going to savor this moment and continue to live my life to the fullest.
U.S. News and World Report has proudly recognized Gloucester High School in Gloucester City as one of the Best High Schools for 2025. This prestigious honor marks the school’s impressive ninth consecutive year of achieving high rankings at the national, Philadelphia area, and New Jersey levels. According to Sean Gorman, Superintendent and High School Principal, along with Doctor of Education Kimberly Chiodi, Assistant Superintendent at Gloucester High School, the school has been placed in the top 40 percent of all public high schools, both nationwide and in the Philadelphia area. This continuous success highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the enrichment of its students.
**JEER**
A closer look at user-submitted crime data on platforms like Nextdoor shows that this information can often be misleading and should not be trusted to accurately reflect the crime rate in neighborhoods like Westville. Studies have shown that neighborhood social apps tend to boost users’ fears, leading to an exaggerated sense of danger and the belief that crime is more common than it really is. For a better understanding of crime statistics, it is important to consult credible, official sources for accurate data. Such as the chief of police. (Source AI)
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (NOVEMBER 2012)– After the 1982 mayoral election in Gloucester City, two members of the Gloucester City Democrat Club/Party Machine approached Camden County Sheriff Bill Simon on behalf of the club’s membership. They pleaded with him to stop publishing sheriff’s sales in the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record, both of which were owned by the Cleary family at the time. These legal notices were worth between $20,000 and $30,000 annually. Running for mayor that year were Independent candidate Robert S. Bevan and the endorsed Democrat Club candidate Jack Brophy.
